11 March 2009
The UK's canal network will soon be used to source renewable energy under plans unveiled by British Waterways.
It is expected that, through an agreement with the Small Hydro Company, 210,000 mega watt hours of renewable energy will be generated every year.
"This scheme shows how with ingenuity and innovation they can once again deliver real economic, social and environmental benefits, especially in tackling and adapting to climate change," comments Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.
Furthermore, around £120 million of private capital will be invested in the scheme over the next three years, with 25 small-scale hydroelectricity schemes operating to power about 40,000 homes.
The plans are supported by the Climate Change Capital's Ventus Fund, with consultations planned for the first five of the hydro schemes later in the month.
A report by the Climate Change Group recently found that the energy industry is responsible for more than 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions.
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